At the Open Award Centre young people are encouraged to take part in other activities which complement the Award programme. For example several members take part in canoeing as part of their physical recreation section for which they not only complete an award section but also gain a BCU star award accreditation. In addition to improve their swimming skills they are encouraged to complete a "Swimming for Improvers" OCN, train for their Bronze medallion and complete a basic aquatic first aid course. Two members have undertaken and successfully completed this and are now training for their National Pool Lifeguard qualification. The Open award centre regard this doubling or even trebling of accreditation for a single activity an ideal method of encouraging young people to participate in formal education and accredited courses.

Have increased confidence in water.
2.1 Submerging head completely with eyes open.
2.2 Retrieving object from pool floor.
2.3 Exhaling under water for minimum of 3 seconds
2.4 Ability to push off and glide through water whilst exhaling.
2.5 Push off – glide and kick front and back.
2.6 Sitting on pool floor.
2.7 Moving through submerged hoop

Be able to swim a width (approx 10m) using
a variety of strokes.
3.1 Demonstrate ability to swim two different strokes.